Metsä Group will restart operations at its Joutseno pulp mill on December 8, following a production shutdown that began in June.
At the same time, the company will initiate a one-month curtailment at its Rauma pulp mill in response to continued weakness in the long-fibre softwood pulp market.
The shutdown at Rauma begins on December 15, with operations expected to resume gradually by department from January 7, 2026. According to Metsä Fibre CEO Ismo Nousiainen, the adjustments are necessary to align output with current market conditions.
“Through production shutdowns, we are adjusting our production to reflect the market demand for long-fibre softwood pulp. Since the market situation for softwood pulp is estimated to continue uncertain for the beginning of next year, we are preparing for significant production curtailments at Joutseno pulp mill also during 2026,” said Nousiainen.
Market Conditions Remain Uncertain
Softwood pulp markets have been characterized by price volatility and uneven demand in key regions. Producers across the Nordics continue to balance inventories and adjust capacity as the slowdown in packaging and printing grades spills over into the fiber supply chain.
Metsä Fibre indicated that the curtailments may extend into 2026 if the market outlook does not improve. The company expects the shutdown strategy to help manage inventories and stabilize production across its pulp assets.
Metsä Fibre is the pulp and sawmills division of Metsä Group and produces pulp, sawn timber and a range of bioproducts spanning biochemicals and bioenergy. The company focuses on products made from northern wood as alternatives to fossil-based materials.
In 2024, Metsä Group recorded EUR 5.7 billion in sales, with Metsä Fibre contributing EUR 2.3 billion. The business employs approximately 1,500 people and is owned by more than 90,000 Finnish forest owners through the Metsäliitto Cooperative.
Source: Metsä Fibre
